Occupy Chicago Marches In Loop To Commemorate One-Year Anniversary of Occupy Wall Street

By aaroncynic in News on Sep 18, 2012 9:00PM

Photo by Kate Harnedy

On Monday Occupy Wall Street celebrated its one-year anniversary in Manhattan’s financial district and later in Zuccotti Park, with hundreds of arrests throughout the day. Members of Occupy Chicago also celebrated the anniversary of OWS here in Chicago with a small march through the Loop and gathering at LaSalle and Jackson. A little over 100 people participated in the march, according to the Chicago Tribune, and despite criticisms and questions like “where are they now,” organizers maintain that they’re still doing the best they can to make a difference.

Micah Philbrook, a member of Occupy Chicago since its beginnings last year, told ABC7 “We are growing and evolving as a group, and tactics change. So, while you don't see people occupying a park as often anymore, you still see direct action and protest actions in the streets.” Kelly Hayes, another long time Occupier told the Tribune that some of those changing tactics include focusing on local issues, such as their efforts to help fight foreclosures and support for the CTU strike. “These are groups that are beginning to do what the government won’t. This is truly occupying,” said Hayes.

Photo by Kate Harnedy

The group says it plans to mark its own anniversary with a rally and march on Sept. 23, which will “involve scattered music, teach ins, and other diversions that will be reminiscent of the early days of the movement.”